Man Charged with Murder of Alleged 'Caucasus Mafia' Leader in Caesarea

The State Prosecutor's Office has filed an indictment against Doron Weitzman, 54, from Beit She'an, in the Haifa District Court for the murder of Yanis Yushvaev. Yushvaev, a father of three, was shot and killed in August near a restaurant in Caesarea. According to the prosecution's version of events, Weitzman and Yushvaev were not previously acquainted.

The indictment details that Weitzman armed himself, drove to the restaurant in a stolen car with forged license plates, ordered food, and waited for Yushvaev. When Yushvaev exited the restaurant with friends, Weitzman approached him, pointed a weapon at his head, and fired at close range. Yushvaev died at the scene, and the suspect fled.

The prosecution is requesting that Weitzman be held in custody until the end of his trial. The request highlights his record of 38 previous convictions and lengthy prison sentences. The prosecution stated that the murder was premeditated and carried out with "chilling cold-bloodedness" in broad daylight in a crowded area.

Weitzman faces charges including aggravated murder, weapons offenses, and driving without a valid license or insurance. Yanis Yushvaev was identified in Israeli media as the "head of the Caucasus mafia," and the method of the crime suggests it was a contract killing.